Lana Top and Dress | Test Sew

I cannot get enough of ruffles and statement sleeves so when I saw that Coffee + Thread was releasing a new ruffle sleeve t-shirt I had to sign up immediately to test it!

The Pattern

The Lana Top and Dress is a semifitted classic t-shirt/dress with a fun twist. The dropped shoulder is finished with a pretty ruffled sleeve for a slightly feminine touch. The dress comes with optional ties.

This pattern comes together SO quickly because of the dropped sleeve. With just a few pattern pieces you can whip up this t-shirt or dress in an hour or so [another good easy garment to add to your #MeMadeMay wardrobe too!]. I opted to not hem my ruffles but in the future, I might do so If I remember to hem before attaching them to the top.

The pattern features layers (one of my favorite PDF pattern features) which allows you to print only the size or sizes that you need. As a member of Team Cut It Out, I really appreciate a layered PDF pattern because it speeds up my pattern cutting process!

The Top

While I will be the first to admit, I’m a pretty terrible knit gatherer, I was really happy with how my Lana Top turned out. Steam was my friend this time around to get the gathers to lay nicely.

For my version, I used a really drapey baby french terry that I ordered from Simply by Ti. It was so fun being a part of the tester group because of the different fabric choices. Each one gave the top a little bit of a different look and my next one is definitely going to be a dress version in a ponte or scuba knit!

I sewed up a size 8 which was right in line with my measurements. I didn’t add any length to my version but I think in a future top version I would add an inch to just have it hit a bit lower.

Olga’s instructions are top notch and made sewing up this top a breeze. Every step is explained thoroughly and I really couldn’t believe how quickly I could sew it up.

I used my tried and true favorite, Thermoweb HeatnBond Hem Tape to hem the top. This product may be one of my favorite sewing notions of all time. As a former member of no hem knits, I am a true convert with the HeatnBond hem tape. I used to to hem this top and would have used it on the sleeves if I had remembered to! If you haven’t given this product a shot, I’d highly recommend it – especially if hemming knits isn’t your favorite either. You can purchase here from Thermoweb or here from Amazon!

I paired my Lana Top with a pair of white jeans and one of my Conflicted Pixie necklaces. I am so ready for constant white jean weather!

If you’re looking for another great make to add to your handmade wardrobe for the summer, make sure you check out the Lana Top from Coffee and Thread! It’s on sale through Monday, May 7th for $9.00!

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Note: I received this pattern from Coffee + Thread free of charge in exchange for testing her pattern. As always, all my views are my own.